Obama Rated at 3-Year High in Poll, Republicans at Bottom — President Barack Obama enters the latest budget showdown with Congress with his highest job- approval rating in three years and public support for his economic message, while his Republican opponents' popularity stands at a record low.

On issues, public is more aligned with Obama than GOP — SETTING A NATIONAL AGENDA: WHAT NEEDS TO GET DONE THIS YEAR? — In a USA TODAY/Pew Research Center Poll, Americans were asked how urgent it was for President Obama and Congress to pass major legislation on some top issues this year.

I Am Very Disappointed in Governor Rick Scott — I was one of the few conservatives to support Governor Scott in 2010. He is a fundamentally great person. I really like him. He has been a friend to this site. — But I am terribly disappointed in his decision to expand Medicaid in Florida.

G.O.P. Resisting Obama on Tax Increase — WASHINGTON — House Republicans, shrugging off rising pressure from President Obama, are resolutely opposing new tax increases to head off $85 billion in across-the-board spending reductions, all but ensuring the cuts will go into force March 1 …

Preschool debate obscures core problem: Our view … ‘Fragile families’ harm children's development. — In the eyes of many parents and most educators, starting a child's schooling before kindergarten is an indisputable virtue. Your kid acquires learning and social skills that give him or her an advantage.

John Kerry: The un-Hillary Clinton — John Kerry is no Hillary Clinton — and he's OK with that. — In the three weeks since Kerry succeeded Clinton as secretary of state, he's already sent unmistakable signals of his independence with a more assertive, proactive and risk-taking stewardship …

Stuff gets in the way — Why would a couple risk so much — respect and even their freedom — for furs, furniture and a fedora? — This was the question that came to my mind when I read the federal charges against Jesse L. Jackson Jr., the former congressman from Illinois.

George Galloway in anti-Israel storm — Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player. — To view the video directly, please click here — Video: Eylon Aslan-Levy — George Galloway, the Respect MP for Bradford West, has been accused by Oxford students of anti-semitism.

Jimmy Carter: No relationship with Obama — Former President Jimmy Carter says he has no relationship with President Barack Obama and wishes that he did. — “We don't have any relationship much. I met with him early in his administration. We don't really have any relationship,” …

Sensing weakness, Karl Rove's critics pounce — For the first time in a dozen years, Karl Rove's critics smell blood. — After his electoral wipeout in November — and motivated by years of resentment that's spilling over — Rove's credibility within his own party is at an all-time low.

Lawyers on Abuse Suits in Milwaukee Depose Dolan — A week before Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan is set to leave New York for Rome, where his name is being floated as a candidate for pope, he was questioned for three hours on Wednesday behind closed doors in a legal deposition concerning the sexual abuse of children by priests.

NRA ramps up campaign against proposed gun control measures — (CNN) - As Vice President Joe Biden heads to Connecticut on Thursday in a bid to generate support for sweeping gun control proposals, the National Rifle Association is trying to flex its political muscle by ramping up its campaign to oppose those initiatives.

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